The AAM industry is poised to redefine transportation through electric seaplanes, air taxis, drones, air cargo, and eVTOL aircraft.
Its now more than apparent that the success of AAM hinges infrastructure that can accommodate AAM, as well as multimodal transit, ensuring seamless operations and integration with existing transportation networks.
While the projected growth to a market value of USD 8 billion underscores the industry's potential, the investments in supporting infrastructure dedicated to one mode of transport required is a commercial risk 1.
Overcoming Commercial Bottlenecks:
The primary challenge for AAM is the development of infrastructure capable of supporting various modes of aerial mobility alongside existing transportation systems. The need for take-off and landing pads, recharging stations, and advanced air traffic management systems is imperative. However, the high costs associated with developing new or upgrading existing infrastructure to meet the unique needs of AAM technologies can potentially deter further investments.
ELIRE Infra's Smart Hubs provide a solution, offering integrated infrastructure that caters to multiple modes of mobility 2, thus addressing a significant bottleneck in the AAM industry 3.
Sizing the Industry Opportunity
As of 2023, nearly 8,000 non-binding commitments have been recorded for 23 different AAM concepts from over 80 different customers 4. However, the actualization of these commitments heavily relies on the availability of adaptable infrastructure that can evolve with the industry's technological advancements.
The AAM industry is poised to grow to a $115 billion industry in the U.S. by 2035, and for this growth to materialize, there is a need for significant development not only in AAM assets but also in building infrastructure and sustaining assets 5.
ELIRE Infra’s Smart Hubs, that is 'shared smart infrastructure' provide a commercially viable solution that addresses such bottlenecks, ensuring that the industry can capitalize on the projected growth.
A Solution: - Floating Infrastructure
ELIRE infra Smart Hubs are a linchpin in bridging the infrastructural gap in the AAM sector. With Sustainable Urban Development in mind 6 , the Smart Hubs’ design enables integration with multimodal transit systems, underscoring the benefits of building flexible infrastructure for a range of mobility modes rather than a singular focus.
By leveraging shared resources with existing facilities to minimize the OPEX 7, such as cruise vessel passenger terminals, last-mile freight & logistics, and refueling operations for vessels, which can foster systemic efficiency and circularity 8, the AAM industry can significantly cut down on the costs of dedicating new infrastructural solutions for the AAM faster market access.
The substantial carbon emission reduction and cost savings highlighted by ELIRE Infra demonstrate the economic and environmental advantages of such an integrated approach.
Location, location! AAM in City Ports and Harbours
Strategically positioning AAM hubs at ports and harbours enhances access to cities and leverages the benefits of shared infrastructure. ELIRE Infra's smart hubs support this strategy, offering a platform for integrating evolving AAM technologies with existing maritime and land-based transportation systems, offering a truly multimodal transit hub.
By facilitating multimodal transit integrations, our Smart Hubs are pioneering a pathway towards a new epoch of aerial mobility, where the utilization of waterways and shared infrastructure catalyzes the commercial viability and success of the AAM sector. Through ELIRE Infra's solutions, stakeholders are invited to explore a holistic approach to AAM infrastructure, unlocking a future of seamless, efficient, and sustainable air mobility.
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